A fun taste of college for Kauai middle schoolers

Kauaʻi middle school students learned that college is a thrilling adventure filled with exciting discoveries at the 5th Annual Kids College Program held at Kauaʻi Community College. The program was offered through the campus’ Office of Continuing Education and Training and the courses were taught by Kauaʻi CC staff and teachers from schools on island.

“Kauaʻi CC is thrilled to be working with community partners to offer summer learning experiences to our younger student populations,” said Bruce Getzan, Office of Continuing Education and Training director.

“We are delighted to see young students on our campus,” said Helen Cox, Kauaʻi CC chancellor. “We love seeing them feeling comfortable being here and so excited about STEM learning. It’s the perfect way to prepare for their future,” said Cox. “We can’t wait to have them as college-level students!”

Rocketry: Taught by Waimea School teacher Jerry Nishihara, students constructed, launched and recovered high-flying rockets they built from scratch. On board to help with the launch were members of the Pacific Missile Range Facility.

Robotics: Kapaʻa Elementary School Teacher Heidi Tokuda had students explore their engineering ingenuity as they constructed Lego robots and devised computer programs where the robots performed functions and tasks.

The Great Egg Race: Taught by Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School teacher Joni Ortiz, students applied their design skills in building paper mini-cars to protect their humpty-dumpty drivers.

“Getting students to personally experience college at a young age provides them with options for what they can do when they grow up,“ said Mia Ako, Kauaʻi Economic Development Board vice president. “Dispelling myths about how difficult STEM subjects are the number one purpose of this program.”

The program was supported by Kauaʻi Economic Development Board and its Ala ʻIke Program with U.S.DOE grant funding. Kauaʻi Economic Development Board scholarships covered half of the $100 tuition per course and student for the entire program.